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 While it may have been cold, wet and windy outside, nothing could dampen the warm glow emanating from a tiny manger in Willowmavin on Saturday. Gentle lambs chewed on sweet smelling hay as pigs happily grunted approval, while over the barn doors stretched the necks of beautiful horses - welcoming pats aplenty, as people came from near and far to join the good folk of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Carols by Barnlight.
 “It was truly up lifting to see the happy faces of everyone as they joined in the carols” said sanctuary founder, Pam Ahern. “While we cannot complain about the rain, what we lacked in numbers was certainly made up for by the intimacy of the evening. It was as if we were all one huge big happy family celebrating life, our love of animals and the spirit of Christmas”
 “Palpable was the feeling of peace and tranquillity in the barn” added Pam. “It was wonderful to see animals and humans interact so freely, with no feelings of fear. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to think that scenes such as this could be acted out 365 days a year? Now that would truly make Christmas a time to celebrate.”
Despite the appalling weather, the view was unanimous that the evening was a resounding success, with those that braved the conditions vowing to return. Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary, in paying tribute to its many volunteers who made the evening possible, also gave thanks to the Mitchell Shire for their support of the event.
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World Animal Day 2008
“I like it here”
 Contented sheep graze peacefully on grassy slopes, a lone alpaca watches on, cows happily chew their cud as a young boy wanders up the paddock, turns to his father and says “Dad, I like it here”. That pretty much summed up the spirit of the 800 plus visitors of World Animal Day 2008 at Willowmavin’s increasingly popular Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary.
 “Throughout every turn in the evolution of man there has been a member of the animal kingdom. This incredible relationship has enabled us to advance beyond cavemen to who we are today” said Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern. “It is now time we look at how we have honoured that contract and sadly it is not that well. Perhaps now is the time to repay the debt”
Filling in a leaf for the Kindness Tree, face painting, farm tours, line dancing, inspirational presentations, silent auction, dog agility displays, children’s activities, vegan luncheon and much more kept all entertained throughout the day. With many interstate visitors making the journey south proving that Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary is now truly a national beacon of hope for all farmed animals.
 “It has been one of my greatest honours being selected as the Australian World Animal Day Ambassador. For as long as I can remember I have been in awe of the animal kingdom. Animals really do define us human beings, our treatment of them says so much about the sort of people we truly are. It is my hope that all those who gathered here today left empowered to make the world a better place for all our animal friends” concluded Pam.
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Edgar's Mission is now on MySpace and Facebook!
We are taking over the internet....
Do you have a MySpace page and/or a facebook account? You can now find Edgar's Mission photos, blogs and more on MySpace by going to myspace.com/edgarsmission
To find us on facebook, simply type Edgar's Mission in the search form and you'll see us listed there. Edgar Pig and Shirley Calf even have their own accounts!
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Having his cake and eating it too, was Edgar Alan Pig at his sixth birthday party on Sunday at his home, Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Willowmavin, via Kilmore. Ever so careful not to make a hog of himself, the portly porcine gently devoured his vegan birthday cake as it was passed to him by his doting number one fan and guardian, Pam Ahern.
“It was truly wonderful to see so many people turn out to help celebrate dear Edgar’s special day. What are the odds that out of the billions of pigs in the world that I would end up with the most handsome, dashing debonair, charismatic, witting and charming one of the all? He is indeed some pig” said Pam.
music by Jade Leonard, face painting, chalk art and farm tours kept those gathered busy throughout the day, and the more adventurous even joined in for a spot of line dancing with the True Blue Country Line Dancers.
“The standard of art this year was absolutely amazing, so many talented and compassionate people really supported our day and I wish to thank them most sincerely along with the loyal and dedicated volunteers without whom events such as this would not be possible” concluded Pam Ahern.
With beautiful weather abounding, families from near and far packed up the kids and headed north to Willowmavin’s unique sanctuary for rescued farmed animals.
